Second suspect in Long Beach killing of Downey man ordered held without bail

LONG BEACH (CNS) - One of two men charged in the shooting death of a 19- year-old man in Long Beach appeared in court Monday but did not enter a plea.

Edgar Miguel Espinoza, 18, of Downey, was arrested in San Diego Thursday in coection with the killing of Nick Cubas.

Cubas, also of Downey, was found dead about 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 4 in the area of Willow Street and the San Gabriel River, according to the Long Beach Police Department, which has not released additional details.

Espinoza appeared in a Long Beach courtroom Monday where a judge ordered him held without bail. His arraignment was postponed to Sept. 14.

Espinoza and co-defendant Rueben Alexander Ortega, 19, of Lakewood, are both charged with six felony counts: murder, kidnapping for carjacking, kidnapping to commit another crime, carjacking, second-degree robbery and shooting at an occupied vehicle.

Both are also facing a special circumstance allegation that the murder was committed in the commission of a robbery, carjacking and kidnapping, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Ortega, who is also being held without bail, pleaded not guilty Aug. 22 and is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing Oct. 17.

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